Can macroscopic objects interfere with themselves like quantum particles?

In summary, an experiment is conducted using a satellite in orbit around Mars, with an electron gun aimed at a pair of slits. Two detectors are used and depending on which one is triggered, a missile is launched in a specific direction. Since no observation of the experiment can be made until it is over, the missile should exist in a state of superposition until then. The largest object for which interference has been shown is a C60 fullerene, and a recent study claims to see interference for objects up to 60 Angström in size. However, an intelligent observer is not considered in quantum mechanics.
  • #1
mrspeedybob
869
65
Consider this experiment...

A satellite is put into orbit around Mars and the date of the experiment is set for when Mars is directly opposite the sun from earth. This puts it about 21 light minutes away from earth. Assuming there are no aliens watching it is absolutely impossible for any observations to be made until the experiment is over. On board this satellite is an electron gun aimed at a pair of slits, as in the classic double slit experiment. If there were a photographic plate behind the slits there would be an interference pattern, but instead there are 2 detectors. If detector A is triggered the satellite launches a missile which goes into orbit traveling from east to west. If detector B is triggered the missile is launched into orbit traveling from west to east. Since no observation of the experiment can possibly be made for 21 minutes the two states should exist in superposition until it is observable. Before that time has expired the 2 possible missile paths cross and the missile "interferes" with itself, just like the electron would have done at the photographic plate.

So when the results of the experiment are observable from Earth does the experimenter see a missile orbiting Mars in one direction or other? Or may he see a debris field where the missile impacted itself after traveling both ways around the planet? Or in this instance would "interference" mean something other than an impact, and what would it be?
 
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  • #2
If you are able to shield the macroscopic object from the environment (heat bath, thermal photons, ... ) in order to avoid decoherence - yes; afaik the largest objects for which interference has been shown is C60 fullerene, but I may be wrong.
 
  • #3
I think the "record value" was published in Nature Communications this year.

See S. Gerlich et al., "Quantum interference of large organic molecules", Nature Communications 2, 263;
doi:10.1038/ncomms1263

The article is free to read. They claim to see interference for objects up 60 Angström in size. For comparison: depending on the definition of size, C60 has a diameter of 7 or 10 Angströms.
 
  • #4
Hi, mrspeedybob.

In your configuration, let |A> be probability amplitude for electron to come into detector A. Similarly |B> be probability amplitude for electron to come into detector B. Probability we detect missile going one way is <A|A>. Probability we detect missile going the other way is <B|B>. <A|A> + <B|B> = 1. The magnitudes of <A|A> and <B|B>
are determined by close investigation of the configuration.

Regards
 
  • #5
mrspeedybob said:
Assuming there are no aliens watching it is absolutely impossible for any observations to be made until the experiment is over.

An intelligent observer is not a feature of QM. You're not starting from a good spot.
 

Related to Can macroscopic objects interfere with themselves like quantum particles?

What is interference in the context of quantum particles?

Interference refers to the phenomenon where two or more waves interact with each other and create a new wave pattern. In the context of quantum particles, interference can occur when particles behave like waves and interfere with each other, resulting in a distinct pattern.

Can macroscopic objects exhibit wave-like behavior?

No, macroscopic objects are too large and have too much mass to exhibit wave-like behavior. This behavior is only observed at the quantum level with particles such as electrons and photons.

How do macroscopic objects differ from quantum particles in terms of interference?

Unlike quantum particles, macroscopic objects do not exhibit interference because they do not possess wave-like properties. Additionally, the interactions between macroscopic objects are governed by classical mechanics, whereas quantum particles follow the laws of quantum mechanics.

Are there any instances where macroscopic objects can exhibit interference?

In rare cases, macroscopic objects can exhibit interference-like behavior. This is often observed in superconductors, where electrons behave like waves and can interfere with each other, resulting in zero electrical resistance.

Why is it important to study interference in quantum particles and macroscopic objects?

Studying interference in both quantum particles and macroscopic objects helps us better understand the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and classical mechanics. It also has practical applications in technologies such as quantum computing and superconductors.

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